At Wimbledon, the Tennis Is World-Class. The Food Is A Showcase Of Britain’s Best

Photo: Wimbledon 2026 expands its culinary offering with seasonal British produce, sustainable sourcing, premium restaurants, food markets, and iconic traditions, delivering a world-class dining experience alongside elite tennis. Photo by Roman Odintsov

New Balls Please!

Whilst strawberries and cream are synonymous with Wimbledon – the British Open Tennis Championship – there is so much more to gastronomic offerings of the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club this summer, writes George Shaw, in a vain attempt to counter the well-worn cliches.

As the undoubted pinnacle of English “Season”, Wimbledon stands above The Epsom Derby, Royal Ascot and Henley Regatta – certainly as an international sporting event. These events form the core of the “British Summer Social Season”, better known simply as “The Season”. The traditional calendar of prestigious sporting and cultural events that takes place every year from May to August. Historically, these months marked the time when the British ruling class returned to London from their country estates to socialise, attend balls, and watch world-class sport.

Wimbledon is about far more than world-class tennis. The Championships have become one of Britain’s great summer food events, blending iconic traditions with modern dining experiences. From strawberries and cream enjoyed courtside to elegant restaurant lunches overlooking the grass courts, Wimbledon 2026 offers something for all appetites and budgets.

This year the SW19 Club’s Executive Chef, Sam Morgan is highlighting a diverse culinary landscape that extends beyond the event’s much-loved, traditional staples. Rooted in a deep respect for the British Isles, the new offering showcases the breadth of Great British produce and champions local suppliers to deliver exceptional, seasonal flavours to every tennis fan. From refined seated dining to vibrant on-the-go concepts, the 2026 vision embraces modern creativity and responsible sourcing across the entire event.

Highlights

• Wimbledon remains the flagship event of Britain’s Summer Season.
• The Championships run from June 29 to July 12, 2026.
• Executive Chef Sam Morgan leads the enhanced culinary programme.
• Nearly 350 chefs support dining operations across the venue.
• Menus focus on premium seasonal British produce.
• Sustainable sourcing and waste-reduction initiatives are central to the food strategy.
• Surplus fruit is transformed into house-made hot sauce.
• Sustainable wild venison is sourced from Royal Parks.
• Public restaurants offer refined dining experiences.
• Traditional strawberries and cream remain a key attraction.
• Pimm’s continues as Wimbledon’s iconic summer drink.
• Food markets provide affordable and diverse dining options.
• Hospitality guests enjoy premium chef-led dining experiences.
• Afternoon tea remains a classic Wimbledon tradition.
• Organisers aim to make food a major attraction alongside tennis.

“We look to push the boundaries of what guests expect from dining at The Championships. My focus is on absolute quality throughout, ensuring our public restaurants are on par with the capital’s finest. We’ve worked closely with our incredible network of British suppliers to ensure that every menu reflects the very best of the season,” said Morgan.

Overseeing nearly 350 chefs during Wimbledon, Sam is responsible for ensuring a world-class dining experience for everyone from the Royal Box to the public restaurants and picnickers on Henman Hill (officially known as Aorangi Terrace).

Quality British ingredients are featured across The Championships, from the classically inspired Centenary Brasserie to the seasonal menus at The Wingfield and The Cavendish – perfect for relaxed lunches between matches. Even the classic Wimbledon Picnic has been updated with a modern twist, offering seasonal, specialised options for fans to enjoy during the fortnight.

Reflecting a commitment to sustainable sourcing, the menu champions British producers through innovative waste-reduction strategies. This includes using surplus fruit from Hugh Lowe Farms in Kent to create a house-made hot sauce for the fried chicken at the Walled Garden, and sourcing sustainable wild venison from Royal Parks.

Joe Furber, Senior Food & Drink Manager at the Wimbledon, said:

“We are incredibly proud of the breadth and quality of the public restaurant offer for 2026. Our goal was to ensure there is truly something for everyone, from refined sharing dishes to classic favourites with contemporary twists. By putting fresh, seasonal British produce at the heart of our menus, we’re giving tennis fans an authentic taste of the British summer that matches the world-class action on the courts – proving that food and drink at The Championships is so much more than just strawberries and cream.”

This year’s Championships run from 29th June – 12th July

A Guide To Food & Drink At Wimbledon 2026

Pimm’s: The Official Taste of Summer

If strawberries are Wimbledon’s signature food, Pimm’s is undoubtedly its signature drink.

Served in bars and kiosks across the grounds, the classic Pimm’s No. 1 Cup is mixed with lemonade, fresh fruit, cucumber and mint. It’s a quintessential British summer refreshment and remains one of the most popular drinks ordered during The Championships.

Visitors in 2026 can expect to pay around £14 for a glass.

Bookable Restaurants

The Cavendish Known for seasonal British cuisine and elevated lunch menus, The Cavendish provides a relaxed restaurant atmosphere away from the crowds. Recent menus have highlighted British produce and modern interpretations of classic dishes.

Centenary Restaurant One of the premium dining locations available to guests, the Centenary Restaurant combines refined dining with impressive views across the grounds. For 2026, the restaurant has introduced a menu focused on shareable plates and contemporary British cooking.

Centenary Brasserie A popular choice for visitors wanting quality food without a lengthy dining commitment an a ;less formal setting.

Hospitality Dining

Guests with hospitality or debenture access enjoy some of the finest food available anywhere in tennis, featuring menus developed in collaboration with leading British chefs.

Venues include:

The Champions’ Room
The Renshaw Restaurant
The Courtside Restaurant
The Wingfield Restaurant
The Courtside Brasserie
The Terrace Restaurant

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea remains one of the most quintessential Wimbledon experiences. Expect finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, seasonal cakes and, naturally, strawberries. Several restaurants and hospitality areas offer afternoon tea packages.

Strawberries & Cream

Synonymous with The Championships since the 19th century, strawberries and cream remain the tournament’s most famous culinary tradition. Hundreds of thousands of portions are served during the fortnight, with strawberries sourced from British growers and served fresh throughout the grounds. For 2026, a portion of strawberries and cream costs £2.85.

Food Markets

General admission and show-court ticket holders have access to a wide variety of casual dining options.

Top Tips for Food Lovers

Arrive early if you want strawberries and cream without the longest queues.

Book restaurants well in advance if you’re planning a premium dining experience.

Explore the Food Markets for excellent value and variety.

Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy on the grass while watching matches on the big screen.

Don’t skip the traditional Wimbledon pairing of strawberries and cream with a glass of Pimm’s at least once during your visit.